Athletics News

VILLANOVA, Pa. -
As a new academic year gets set to begin Villanova student-athletes are receiving due recognition for their continued academic excellence. Six teams received public recognition from the NCAA for their academic success, while the Wildcats had 21 teams scoring above their sport's national average in the most recent NCAA Division I Academic Progress Rate (APR) data, which covers the 2008-09 through 2011-12 academic years. The latest data is a testament to the across-the-board success in the classroom of Villanova student-athletes, who as a group have maintained a composite grade-point average higher than a 3.0 for 20 consecutive semesters.

The six teams that received public recognition each had a multiyear APR score that ranked within the top 10 percent of their respective sport. Among the six teams honored, four had a perfect multiyear score of 1000, including men's lacrosse, rowing, and men's and women's tennis. The women's indoor track & field team (997) and the men's soccer team (996) also received public recognition.

Each of the six teams to receive public recognition have achieved this distinction before. Most notably, the men's lacrosse team has ranked within the top 10 percent for six consecutive years. The men's soccer, men's tennis and women's indoor track & field teams each were recognized for the fourth consecutive year.

In the high-profile sports of football and basketball the Wildcats continue to fare exceptionally well. The men's and women's basketball teams each rank in the top 30 percent nationwide within their sport, while both teams also rank second among all current BIG EAST programs. In addition the Villanova football team ranks fifth out of all CAA schools.

Now in its eighth year the Academic Progress Rate is an academic measurement for sports teams developed by the NCAA as part of a larger academic reform package. The APR provides a real-time measure of academic performance and student-athletes earn points each semester based on academic standing and retention. A mark of 1000 represents a perfect score for a team.

Villanova Teams Receiving Public Recognition for Ranking in the Top 10 Percent of Their Sport